Chris Waller described Joliestar as a fully developed racehorse following her triumph in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, marking her fifth Group 1 success.
The resilient mare delivered a top performance, resisting a strong push from Giga Kick to finish her Sydney autumn series undefeated in three outings, having previously taken the Expressway Stakes and the Canterbury Stakes.
“Joliestar just showed the difference between her this year compared to last year,” Waller said.
“Last year she could pull out a belter of a run but wide draws and luck in running could get her beaten, too.
“But she is a more complete racehorse now and is at the very peak of her form.”
Joliestar ($3.90 favourite) gave Waller and leading jockey James McDonald consecutive Group 1 triumphs, prevailing by half a length over Giga Kick ($4.60), while Skybird ($41) was a neck further back in third position.
This success elevated Waller’s Group 1 victories to 15 for the 2025-26 season and boosted his stable’s earnings to a record $61.06 million, despite plenty of the campaign still ahead.
The renowned trainer has now amassed 195 Group 1 wins in his career, nearing the prestigious 200 barrier – matched only by icons Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings.
Joliestar handed Waller and McDonald a fourth victory in the TJ Smith Stakes, succeeding their hat-trick with Nature Strip from 2020 to 2022.
Given Nature Strip’s subsequent Royal Ascot conquest, the team is contemplating an overseas venture for Joliestar.
“The dream of Royal Ascot is very exciting, and no doubt she’ll be a force to be reckoned with,” McDonald said.
“She has had her doubters before, but they have no leg to stand on now, she is a Grand Final winner.”
The jockey has secured 12 Australian Group 1 wins this season, plus three international features on Hong Kong standout Romantic Warrior.
Waller affirmed that Joliestar remains targeted for Royal Ascot, eyeing the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes (1200m) scheduled for June 20.
“I think we will probably go for the Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot,” Waller said.
“We had the trip planned well before today but we wanted to see her run well in the TJ to cement her place for England.”
The mare boasts 10 wins from 21 appearances, five at Group 1 grade, with earnings surpassing $8.8 million.
Waller anticipates her racing career will extend past the current term.
“I would go to Royal Ascot and bring her back for The Everest – she has just started to mature as a racehorse,” he said.
Betting enthusiasts can explore Australian betting sites for the latest racing odds on Joliestar’s Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes campaign.